Eden Van Zante, February – In my time in archery I have found ways to be respectful to others and to show kindness, not only to your partner that you are shooting with but also everyone else. Some of the biggest things to consider when talking about tournament etiquette is being quiet on the line while shooting, waiting for your partner after pulling arrows, waiting for your partner to shoot an arrow before you do, encouraging others and making quiet conversation while waiting to pull arrows or get your bow.
I find that the biggest rule to follow at archery tournaments is being quiet and respectful on the line. There are people that are shooting around you that need to concentrate and can not have any added noise or distraction. I find it disrespectful when people talk on the line, it can be hard for me to focus on the target when someone is talking. I have found that I shoot much better when no one is talking around me and it is easier for me to focus on the target.
My next etiquette tip is to wait for your partner after they pull their arrows. I find that it is nice to walk back to our seats together. I think that this is a nice gesture so that they don’t have to walk back to their seat alone. Doing this helps build a connection and friendship between you and the person you are shooting with. My team members all strive to do this. We even do this at practice.
Another thing I find very important is waiting for your partner to shoot their arrow before you shoot your arrow. Sometimes I find it distracting when both archers are shooting at the same target at the same time. I think that it is helpful to take turns when shooting on the line. By taking turns, it can help you and your partner both slow down, focus more, and not be so distracted.
One of my favorite parts of archery is getting to meet new people and getting the opportunity to encourage them throughout the tournament. If I can tell that my partner is having a rough tournament I try my best to encourage them and lift their spirits. I also think it is helpful to help new archers learn the routine of tournaments.
All things considered, these are not hard tips to utilize at a tournament or at practice. Any student can wait for their partner, be respectful of others on the line, encourage one another, and take your time. I believe that all of these things are important to understand when at a tournament and easy to put into practice.
